Manuscripts Index
Opera Theatre of St. Louis Records, 1939-2023 (S0062)
51 cubic feet
The Opera Theatre of St. Louis Records contains correspondence, programs, and financial materials relating to the history of opera in St. Louis from 1939, including the opera productions, metropolitan opera auditions, and the efforts to raise the public's interest in opera.
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Optimist International Records, 1919-2019 (S1244)
101 cubic feet
The Optimist International Records contain board and convention meeting minutes, club files, publications, grant files, newspaper clippings, and photographs documenting the organization’s mission to promote the common good in communities, traditionally supporting youth through various programs. Materials of interest include files on individual Optimist Clubs throughout Missouri and the world, which include membership lists and club reports sent to Optimist International. The materials in this collection date from 1919-2019.
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Oral Histories of the Japanese American Community in St. Louis Collection, 1906-1988 (S0682)
7 cubic feet, 68 folders, 1134 photographs, 21 cassette tapes, 8 books, 6 scrapbooks
The Oral Histories of the Japanese American Community in St. Louis Collection documents the experience of Japanese Americans relocation into internment camps and to what life was like for Japanese Americans post-relocation. It includes tapes and transcripts of the oral history interviews conducted as part of Herm Smith's documentation project, which began in 1984. Also included in the collection are the records of the St. Louis Chapter of the Japanese American Citizen League (JACL), which Smith collected during the project. The JACL materials date from the 1950s to the 1970s, and consist of newsletters, newspaper clippings, financial ledgers, meeting minutes, and correspondence, which document the group’s efforts to protect the civil rights of Japanese Americans.
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Oral History Collection, 1971-1995 (S0829)
11 cubic feet
The Oral History Collection consists of reel-to-reel tapes, cassettes, and transcripts of oral histories conducted by Western Historical Manuscript Collection staff and the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) students. Topics of interest include African-American community leaders, labor leaders, immigrants, the Great Depression in St. Louis, and Jazz musicians.
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James W. Orchard Papers, 1958-2016 (R1351)
0.5 cubic foot (10 folders, 1 CD, 4 DVDs, 1 a.c.)
The James W. Orchard Papers contains the papers of Missouri bluegrass musician Jimmy Orchard including event and festival fliers, photographs, recordings of shows, and music album information.
Order of the Eastern Star, Carterville Chapter No. 11 Records, 1952 (R1215)
(1 folder)
This is a small booklet containing the names of officers, the opening ode, the flag ceremony, and the closing ode for Carterville Chapter No. 11 of the Order of the Eastern Star at Carterville in Jasper County, Missouri. It is dated 1852. Twyla Powell was the Worthy Matron.
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These are yearbooks for 1916 and 1954 for Culture Circle of Crescent Chapter No. 21 of the Order of the Eastern Star at Springfield in Greene County, Missouri. This club met at the Sorosis club House in Springfield.
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Order of the Eastern Star, Galena Chapter No. 7, Galena, Missouri Collection, 1951 (R1236)
(1 folder)
This is a membership directory for 1951 for the Galena Chapter No. 7 of the Order of the Eastern Star at Galena in Stone County, Missouri. Included are the names of elected and appointed officers, the auditing committee, and every member.
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Order of the Eastern Star, Noel Chapter No. 335 Records, 1959 (R0781)
(1 folder)
This is the annual booklet for the Noel Chapter, No. 335 of the Order of the Eastern Star in Noel, McDonald County, Missouri. Included are lists of officers, committee assignments, and a list of past Matrons and patrons.
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Order of the Eastern Star, Queen City Chapter No. 226 Springfield, Missouri Collection, 1953 (R1064)
(1 folder)
This is a small booklet for 1953 Queen City Chapter No. 226 of the Order of the Eastern Star at Springfield in Greene County, Missouri. Included are lists of officers and escorts, along with the chapter's symbol, colors, flower, motto, and songs. Doris Whitehead was the Worthy Matron for 1953.
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Order of the Eastern Star, Ruth Chapter No. 177, Joplin, Missouri Records, 1942 (R0997)
(1 folder)
This is a booklet containing the bylaws of Ruth Chapter No. 177 of the Order of the Eastern Star at Joplin in Jasper County, Missouri. The bylaws were approved on July 22, 1942 by Worthy Grand Matron Hazel H. Reppart.
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Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Clinton Assembly No. 10 Collection, 1956 (R1245)
(1 folder)
This is booklet designed to introduce new members to Clinton Assembly No. 10 of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls at Clinton in Henry County, Missouri. The chapter was sponsored by Clinton Chapter No. 73 of the Order of the Eastern Star.
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These are the bylaws and two annual booklets for the Azotus Shrine No. 5 of the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem at Joplin in Japser County, Missouri. The annual booklets include lists of officers and past officers and a list of members.
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This is a "Memory Book for Worthy High Priestess, Bessie Spencer, of Pleiades White Shrine
No. 1, arranged by Bertha Graham, Worthy Chaplain." The White Shrine of Jerusalem was an
affiliate of freemasonry. The membership consisted mostly of wives of Master Masons. This
volume covers activities of the Springfield chapter from March 1939 to April 1940.
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This is "Let's Give a Party," a guide to entertaining published by the Shepherdess Guard Patrol of Pleiades White Shrine No. 1 of the Order of the White Shrine of Jersualem at Springfield in Greene County, Missouri. Included are a photograph of the Patrol in regalia and historical summary and current roster.
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Oregon County Credit Bureau Records, 1936 (R0305)
(1 folder)
This is an unused form letter from the Oregon County Credit Bureau, asking that a client make
a settlement on account. A business directory for Oregon County is included on the letterhead.
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Oregon County Masonic Records, 1871-2018 (R1469)
3.25 cubic feet (58 folders, 10 photographs)
The Oregon County Masonic Records contain materials related to the Masonic lodges and Order of Eastern Star chapters in Thomasville and Alton, Missouri. The Woodside Masonic Lodge No. 387 and the Alton Masonic Lodge No. 255 were the only lodges in Oregon County, Missouri. These materials include meeting minutes, membership lists, financial records, bylaws, photographs, and membership petitions.
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Minnie Organ Notebook, 1895 (C1195)
0.03 cubic feet (1 volume)
Lectures on political philosophy.
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Organization for Black Struggle Records, 1970-2016 (S1240)
3 cubic foot, 72 folders, 905 photographs, 35 video cassettes
The Organization for Black Struggle Records (OBS) contains correspondence, press releases, flyers, and newsletters pertaining to the group's mission to address the needs and issues of the Black working class in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Topics of interest include housing and job discrimination cases, criminal justice reform, and apartheid in South Africa.
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Organization History of Ferrier Harris Nursing Home Manuscript, 1979-1980 (S0411)
0.01 cubic foot
This collection contains a brief history of the Ferrier Harris Nursing Home written by Harriet (Lamb) Williams, a former board member of the nursing home and daughter of Ferrier Harris, the organization’s namesake.
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Organization of Chinese Americans Newsletters, 1975-1978 (S0021)
0.1 cubic foot
Originally founded in 1972 as the League of Chinese Americans, Organization of Chinese Americans – Asian Pacific American Advocates promotes the cultural heritage and social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The collection consists of newsletters from the organization from the mid-1970s.
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Ormsby Family Photograph, 1862 (P0181)
1 photograph
Copy photo of Ormsby, Waterman Lilly II
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Orr Family Papers, 1932-1939 (C0943)
0.04 cubic feet (2 folders)
Information on Sample Orr and his family gathered by Justus R. Moll for the writing of an article. Orr, born in Tennessee, came to Missouri in 1852 and was the Constitutional Unionist candidate for governor in 1860. After the Civil War he moved to Montana and finally to Idaho. Correspondence is primarily between Moll and Orr's daughter, Katie Orr Chapman.
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Thomas B. Orr Extradition Papers, 1887 (C1620)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Extradition warrant to Missouri Governor John Sappington Marmaduke from Nebraska Governor John Milton Thayer, for Thomas B. Orr, who obtained property under false pretences.
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William J. Orr Papers, 1899-1940 (R0857)
0.01 cubic foot (1 folder)
These papers deal mostly with the conviction, appeal , and later the death of J. F. Kennedy, a train-robber. William J. Orr was an attorney for the Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memphis Railway, and later the St. Louis-San Fransisco Railway, who prosecuted Kennedy in 1899. Also included is an obituary of Orr from the Springfield, Missouri News Leader.
Osage County, Missouri, Tax Book, 1844 (C2394)
0.06 cubic feet (3 folders)
John Wm. Thurmand, assessor, tax book for 1844. Includes personal property and real estate assessments.
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OSAGE FACTOR Accounts, 1813 (C1558)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Accounts of the U.S. Barge OSAGE FACTOR, ascending the Missouri, October 5, 1813, and at Arrow Rock, MO, November 4, 1813. Indian affairs and trade.
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Osage Mining and Smelting Company Collection, 1840 (R1241)
(1 folder)
This collection contains a photocopy of a bond certificate dated May 29, 1840 for $250, issued by the Osage Mining and Smelting Company, a Missouri corporation with offices in Baltimore, Maryland. The certificate is signed by Edward Hinkley, president pro-tem, and F. H. Davidge, Secretary.
Osage River Association of Regular Baptists Records, 1847 (R0285)
0.01 cubic foot (1 folder)
The Osage River Association of Regular Baptists Records contain meeting minutes of the Osage River Association from 1847. The Association was composed of Baptist churches in Benton, Camden, Polk, and Webster counties.
Osage River Resevoir Region, Missouri, Photograph Collection, 1891-1999 (P1129)
An artifical collection of photographs of the counties surrounding Truman Resevoir and Lake of the Ozarks: Henry, St. Clair, Benton, Hickory, Morgan, Camden, and Miller counties.
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Osage River United Baptist Association Records, 1849 (R0286)
0.01 cubic foot (1 folder)
The Osage River Association of United Baptists Records contain minutes of the fifth annual meeting of the Osage River Association, which was composed of United Baptist churches in Camden, Maries, Miller, and Morgan counties in Missouri. Included are membership statistics, summary of the Association’s business, report on evangelical work, and circular letter urging adequate financial support of the ministry.
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Osage Valley Bank (Warsaw, Mo.) Minute Book, 1908-1917 (C2321)
0.11 cubic feet (1 volume)
Minutes of board of directors meetings, including financial statements.
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Osborne Realty Company Collection, no date (R0878)
(1 folder)
This is a promotional brochure for the Osborne Realty Company at Osceola in St. Clair County, Missouri. It extols the virtues of the land and people of the area, and offers several parcels of rural land for sale.
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Osceola Lead and Zinc Mining Company Collection, 1905 (R1028)
(1 folder)
This is certificate No. 520 for 32 shares of stock in the Osceola Lead and Zinc Mining Company at Webb City in Jasper County, Missouri. The certificate was issued on April 5, 1905 to Dr. W. H. Hawley, and was signed by President T. F. Coyne and Secretary S. R. Snook.
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Osceola Presbyterian Church Records, 1842-1859 (C1358)
0.02 cubic feet (1 volume)
The records of the Osceola Presbyterian Church in St. Clair County contain church organization, minutes of sessions, infant and adult baptisms, lists of admissions and dismissions, and list of deaths.
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Lucas Osceola Photograph Collection, 1905 (P1067)
Photographs of Monegaw Springs and the Osage River in St. Clair County.
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Joseph J. Oshiver Papers, 1933-2005 (K0596)
33 c.f.
Architectural drawings and other records for Kansas City architect Oshiver, as well as research and other materials relating to Sacred Structures, the Jewish Community in the Kansas City area, and other personal and professional activities.
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Virginius Blackburn Otey Notebook, 1857-1886 (C0894)
0.02 cubic feet (1 folder)
Copies of letters, poems, and essays of Virginius B. Otey of Lynchburg, Virginia.
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Merrill E. Otis Photograph Collection, no date (P0853)
5 photographs
Portraits of John Finis Philips
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Oto Public School, Stone County, Missouri Collection, 1905-1906 (R1229)
(1 folder)
This is a small souvenir booklet for the 1905-1906 school year at Oto Public School in northern Stone County, Missouri. Blanche O. Pritchard was the teacher and H. B. Cox was president of the local school board.
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Mary Jane Pinson Ott Photograph Collection, 1863-1941 (P0731)
0.23 linear feet
Copy negatives of La Belle, MO, from La Belle's Historical Collection by Mary Jane Pinson Ott.
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Otterville College (Otterville, Mo.) Records, 1885-1908, 1967 (C3066)
0.1 cubic feet (4 folders)
The records of Otterville College contain a minute book, catalogs, receipts, and miscellaneous material.
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Otterville Presbyterian Church (Cooper County, Mo.) Records, 1849-1996 (C3951)
1 roll of microfilm
Records of the church consisting of record books containing minutes of meetings and church registers, and a church history. Includes similar records of the Stony Point Presbyterian Church, Morgan County, MO.
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Jason C. Ottinger Papers, 1905-1908 (R1461)
0.01 cubic foot (1 folder)
The Jason C. Ottinger Papers consists of documents related to Jason C. Ottinger's personal papers. He resided in Milford, Missouri, in the early twentieth century. This collection includes tax receipts, a bill of sale, deed inquiries, and a certificate of membership for the National Co-Operative Burial Association.
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Louise Stephens Otto Photograph Collection, 1867-1892, no date (P0901)
9 photographs
Photos of Stephens family members: Hugh, Edwin Sydney, and E.W. Photo of Academic Hall ruins after fire.
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Our City/Ourselves: Portrait of a Community"" Records, 1998 (K1116)
2.5 c.f.
Photocopies of Kansas City family photographs for a collective community work of art exhibit, "Our City/Ourselves: Portrait of Community". Includes scrapbooks, photographs, and other memorabilia, and public comments were once found in the exhibit at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. Most all of the photocopied images are unidentified.
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Our Missouri Podcast Records, 2018- (C3158)
17 CDs
The collection consists of interviews with guests on the Our Missouri Podcast. The collection includes digitally recorded interviews and transcripts of the interviews.
Mayme Hanrahan Ousley Papers, 1889-1967 (R0173)
0.75 cubic foot (42 folders)
The Mayme Hanrahan Ousley Papers consists of correspondence and miscellaneous papers of a civic leader and mayor of St. James in Phelps County, Missouri. She was the first woman to be elected to the mayoralty of a city in Missouri. The papers include material regarding city business, her position on the board of Missouri State Training Schools, and her activities with the Rebekah Lodge (I.O.O.F.).
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Out of the Ghetto Manuscript, 1900-1930 (S0314)
0.01 cubic foot
Unpublished manuscript on St. Louis ethnic neighborhoods, 1900-1930.
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Outlook St. Louis, Collection, 1994-1995 (S1046)
0.04 cubic foot, 7 videotapes
This collection contains Videotapes of Outlook St. Louis, a WHSL-TV and cable access television program for the LGBTQ community. The program featured episodes that focused on political and cultural events relevant to LGBTQ community.